Today is about reality.
Yesterday, I attended a homegoing service for one of my peers in the military that was well attended.
“A homegoing celebration is a Christian, African American traditional funeral service. Rather than only mourning a person’s departure from this life, homegoing celebrations view death in a positive light. At a homegoing celebration, family members, friends, and the community rejoice.”
As I listened to the Preacher deliver the eulogy, he spoke about my comrade in arms receiving his final orders, this time from heaven.
In the military, we get orders and sometimes don’t have a choice where we are assigned. You and I don’t have a choice in knowing how long we will live; however, while we are here, we should do and be the best that we can.
Yet, in most cases, depending upon the situation, we will decide if we’re going to attend someone’s funeral or homegoing service.
We also know that our calendars don’t have a spot for unforeseen appointments, such as funerals, as we juggle the complexities of life.
I was honored to be able to speak in two minutes or less about the impact that this Soldier left and was proud of the strength of his family and grandkids, who also spoke about him.
As I thought about how many people die each day, the numbers are well over 150,000 each day worldwide.
Although populations play a key role, I also didn’t realize the disparity of the numbers of deaths in China and India was so high compared to the United States.
China deaths per day are 32, 077 and India is 26,604, compared to the United States death day is 8, 460.
How Many People Die Each Day in 2025?
Therefore, the odds of someone dying in the United States are much different than someone in China or India.
Although our ranking is three in the world for deaths compared to those that live in the Bahamas (172), for example, it is interesting to me.
Are they better at managing the Top 3 Causes of Death Around the World? Cardiovascular Diseases, Infectious Diseases, or Cerebrovascular Diseases, such as Stroke, rank as the third leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 10% of total deaths.
I’m sure people don’t wake up asking themselves this commonly asked question; however, global daily deaths from all causes. “Instead, the available studies focus on specific causes of death, such as suicide, cancer, and work-related heart disease and stroke.”
How many people die in a day on average worldwide? – Consensus
How Many People Die in a Day on Average Worldwide? – Consensus: AI Search Engine for Research
During most funeral services that many of us attend, we’ll hear the words “Well done my good and faithful servant,” without understanding the true meaning behind those words.
Yesterday, I was able to hear another passage from the Bible about receiving his crown of righteousness from 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV).
Think for a minute about what words you want people to say about you at your funeral or homegoing service as they ask for two minutes of reflection.
In most cases, every time I attend a funeral, I can reflect on the lessons that person taught me or why they were there for a specific season in my life.
What I’ve also learned is that viewing the body before the funeral is one of the hardest things we must go through as part of closure.
There is a specific amount of strength required in this process, and when the family must close the casket after viewing the body.
I can vividly remember my parents’ funerals. My mother died just before Christmas four years before the pandemic, and my father ironically died on Veterans Day, 11-11, during the Pandemic.
Those moments built a specific strength that was added to my character. Maybe you have had those same experiences.
I know people who are much stronger than I who can see a loved one die and have no outward emotions during various stages of the funeral arrangements.
I’ve also learned, in reflecting on my experiences as a caregiver, not to take my health for granted. Especially having three opportunities to witness the effects of Hospice and how life is short, regardless of how long you may live.
The phrase “It’s all temporary” when managing stress is one of the foundational words I’ve learned to practice, along with providing empathy and emotional intelligence at the right time.
What are you doing today to ensure you have no regrets tomorrow?
Granted, I know attending a funeral or a homegoing service is not something we look forward to doing; however, it is the closure of a specific chapter of a person’s life.
Yesterday, I was able to receive that closure along with several hundred other people.
It’s that chapter that we’re able to witness that gives us another fresh perspective, seeing the love and respect being honored.
The reality is that at some point, someone will be responsible for making your funeral arrangements; however, you won’t be able to pick the day, the time, or the place.
Just as it is in the Bible (John 14:3), I’m reminded of “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (KJV)
The final words the Preacher said were “Yes, I know it hurts” to the family and followed up with “Jesus Wept, too.”
The Important Meaning Behind “Jesus Wept” | Bible Study Tools
Today, I challenge you to think about all the people around the world making funeral arrangements. May the souls of all those departed rest in peace.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”~ Irish Proverb
Life is beautiful, but it is also brief.
We all must go through this journey—
experiencing its sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy moments.
What matters most is the footprint we leave behind—our legacy.
God has given me the gift of a creative mind and the soul of an artist.
I chose to document my journey through art by publishing five art books on Amazon, each reflecting a different theme.
I continue to update them with new creations,
telling my stories through art—my lasting legacy.
Caroline,
Thank you for adding to my blog today. I agree “Life is beautiful, but it is also brief.” It’s in those brief moments I believe that sometimes we miss or don’t the time to go back and reflect on those experiences or moment you spoke about being “sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy.” Continue telling your stories and leaving a legacy for others to follow.
McKinley
Well done, McKinley.
On a Monday morning it is good to think about the impact we will have on others from a long range perspective. Looking ahead to how we want to be remembered, with the backdrop of how we remember those we love puts life into perspective.
The phrase I associate with you is “It’s all good” and I find myself saying that more and more.
What if we told people, while they are living, what impact they have, so they can hear it too.
Have a blessed week.
Jane,
Thank you so much for your support and kind words. I believe reflection is something we all don’t do enough myself included. I admire the words “Long Range Perspective” because we must always remember those we love as a priority within our lives. You are not alone with the phrase “It’s all good” because I have nothing to complain about and if we wait a few minutes, we’ll find out it’s only temporary.
McKinley
As always, well said!
Clyde,
Thank you so much!
CM